High failure rates in ordinary-level maths and science are again the most striking feature of the Leaving Cert results published this morning. Close to 5,000 students have failed maths at either ordinary, higher or foundation level, making many ineligible for third-level courses.
In all, 12 per cent or close to 4,000 students failed the biggest single exam in the Leaving Cert, maths at ordinary level, now taken by over 35,000 candidates. Failure rates were also high at ordinary level in chemistry (17 per cent), biology (15 per cent) and physics (10 per cent).
With numbers taking the higher-level maths papers in steep decline - down 2,000 - the results will increase pressure on Minister for Education Mary Hanafin to address the so-called crisis in maths. Higher-level maths is the least popular higher-level option in the Leaving.
Only 6,710 of the 50,000 taking the Leaving achieved an honours mark (Grade C or higher ) in maths. Four times this figure (24,136) gained an honour in English.
The results mean only a relatively small cohort of students are eligible for higher-level degree courses in science, technology and related areas, where a Grade C in higher-level maths is a minimum requirement.
While the number taking higher level in science subjects is up marginally, the overall picture will frustrate Government and industry leaders, who have highlighted the importance of building a strong skills base in this area.
Of the entire Leaving group of 50,000-plus, the percentage securing honours in physics (seven per cent), chemistry (eight per cent) and biology (23 per cent) remains low. The failure rates at ordinary level are also high, with over 15 per cent failing chemistry and biology.
The honours rates (the number gaining Grade C or better on higher-level papers) is marginally down in most subjects. It should mean CAO points will stay at last year's low levels, seen by many as marking the end of the points race.
Other main features of the Leaving Cert this year include:
- Irish: a strong revival, with more than 1,000 additional students at higher level and 83 per cent scoring honours, one of the highest in the entire Leaving Cert;
- History: with a revised course, the subject has attracted 1,000 extra students;
- No student matched last year's achievement of nine A1s, but 11 students got 8A1s;
- Students in 15 new languages scored remarkable grades, raising possible questions about the rigour of the exams. Of those taking Russian, 100 per cent gained an honour and the honours rate was over 90 per cent in Polish and Romanian.
- The number of repeat students is down to fewer than 2,000 from over 9,000 in 1997.
Last night, Olwyn Enright of Fine Gael accused Ms Hanafin of being unwilling or unable to address the crisis in maths and science. "Once again, the Leaving Certificate results have exposed the soft underbelly of Ireland's supposed move towards a 'knowledge economy'. The figures speak for themselves, and show that the Government remains blind to the need for reform in how key subjects are taught and examined."
Tony Donohoe, head of education at employers' group Ibec said the development of a knowledge economy is dependent on a strong supply of scientists, engineers and technologies, but the results raised doubts about the ability to deliver on this agenda.
Careers expert Brian Mooney said last night that investing in science and technology laboratories was the only way to reverse the crisis in these subjects. Facilities that enable students to enjoy a "hands on" approach would help to arrest the fall-off in demand for science subjects, he said.
